Bangladesh seal historic home Test series win over Pakistan after Taijul Islam six-for in Sylhet
Taijul Islam’s six-wicket haul powered Bangladesh to a historic home Test series win over Pakistan in Sylhet, sealing a 78-run victory in the second Test. The result confirmed Bangladesh as the superior side in the two-match series after they had already won the opening Test by 104 runs. Taijul’s 6-120 on the final day ended Pakistan’s chase of 437 and sparked jubilant celebrations across the home side.
Taijul Islam’s match-winning spell
Taijul Islam struck decisively on the final morning, finishing with figures of 6-120 as Pakistan were bowled out for 328. The left-arm spinner also contributed earlier in the match with 3-67 in Pakistan’s first innings of 232, ensuring he left the game with a match total of nine wickets.
His dismissal of Sajid Khan marked his 18th Test five-wicket haul and set the stage for Shoriful Islam to remove Mohammad Rizwan in the next over. Taijul then trapped Khurram Shahzad to end the innings and hand Bangladesh a memorable victory.
Mohammad Rizwan’s fightback fell short
Mohammad Rizwan produced a valiant 94 off 166 balls as Pakistan attempted an improbable chase of 437. Rizwan steadied the innings after Pakistan had been reduced to 162-5 late on day four, showing temperament and resolve that briefly revived the visitors’ hopes.
Rizwan’s eighth-wicket partnership of 54 with Sajid Khan frustrated Bangladesh, but Sajid’s dismissal and Rizwan’s subsequent soft dismissal curtailed any realistic chance of a comeback. The wicketkeeper-batsman’s near-century was the standout Pakistan performance in the match.
Bangladesh’s batting backbone delivered big totals
Bangladesh’s batting laid the platform for victory, with Litton Das scoring 126 in the first innings as the hosts posted 278. In the second innings, Mushfiqur Rahim’s 137 steered Bangladesh to 390, with useful contributions from Mahmudul Hasan Joy (52) and another solid 69 from Litton.
Those innings established the imposing target of 437, which ultimately proved beyond Pakistan’s reach. The depth and resilience shown by Bangladesh’s top and middle order underlined a collective batting performance rather than reliance on a single star.
Supporting bowlers and key moments shifted the contest
While Taijul took the headlines, Bangladesh’s seam and pace options played crucial roles throughout the match. Shoriful Islam’s timely interventions and tidy overs built pressure that complemented the spin threat, and the fielding unit held firm to convert chances at important moments.
Disciplined bowling spells on day four halted Pakistan’s momentum and set up the final-day drama. The combination of sustained pressure, tight lines and strategically used variations forced mistakes that Bangladesh seized to clinch the result.
Historic milestone for Bangladesh cricket
This series win represents Bangladesh’s first Test series victory at home against Pakistan, and it follows their 2-0 sweep of Pakistan in the 2024 series on Pakistani soil. The back-to-back series wins against a major Test nation mark a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s international campaign and will be noted by selectors and cricketing analysts alike.
The triumph also signals growing confidence in Bangladesh’s squad composition and tactical planning, with senior players and emerging talents contributing in both matches. For the home fans in Sylhet, the series outcome was a long-awaited moment of national pride.
Leadership and selection implications going forward
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led the side to consistent performances across the two Tests, and selectors will now weigh the balance of spin and pace that worked effectively in home conditions. The effectiveness of left-arm spin through Taijul, supported by a reliable seam attack, gives Bangladesh options for upcoming fixtures.
For Pakistan, questions about middle-order resilience and the failure to build a decisive partnership will feature in post-series reviews. Rizwan’s innings will provide some comfort, but the visitors will reflect on missed opportunities and the task of rebuilding before their next assignment.
Bangladesh’s victory in Sylhet will resonate beyond the immediate result, offering momentum and a template for success in home conditions as the team prepares for future international commitments.
